The short answer
Two modest museums suit a rainy or hot afternoon. The Annapurna Butterfly Museum, also called the Natural History Museum, is run by the conservation area project near the university campus at Bagar. It displays butterflies, insects, birds, wildlife models and rock and gem samples, and gives good background before a trek.
The Gurkha Memorial Museum sits in the old British camp area and tells the story of Gurkha soldiers through uniforms, medals and photographs from the world wars. Pokhara is the traditional homeland of many Gurkha families, so the story feels local. Opening days and hours change, so ask your hotel to confirm.
Key facts
- Butterfly Museum
- Natural history, Bagar
- Gurkha Museum
- Uniforms, medals, photos
- Time
- About 45 minutes each
- Best for
- Rainy afternoons
How it works
- Check opening daysThey change.
- Visit the butterfly museumBefore a trek.
- Visit the Gurkha museumOld British camp area.
- Add the mountain museumSame day.
Insider tip
Pair the Gurkha Museum with the International Mountain Museum on the same day.
Avoid this
Do not rely on printed opening hours; call ahead.
Related questions
Are they good for kids?
Yes, especially the butterfly museum.
Is photography allowed?
Ask at the counter.
Plan your Nepal trip in 60 seconds
Answer four short questions. We show trips that fit, and a planner can send a route and price. Free, no payment.
Trips that match this guide
Keep reading
More guides to explore
- Valleys and Minor LakesHelambu, Tsum, Rolwaling, Panch Pokhari and valley lakes.
- Photography and Night SkyBest photo places, Milky Way, cloud sea and drone rules.
- Springs, Caves and GardensHot springs, caves, shaligrams, gardens and retreats.
- Karnali: Surkhet, Jumla, Humla and DolpoRemote far-west Nepal: Kakre Vihara, Sinja, Limi, Dolpo.
- All Nepal guidesBrowse every place and theme.








